Dallas faces another talented defense as they meet the Broncos on Sports Authority Field at Mile High this Sunday. Expect the Cowboys to continue to establish their identity with their running game against a Denver squad that allowed only 2.9 yards-per-carry on Monday night. Don’t be surprised if you see these three plays on game day.

Dallas’ ground attack is built upon the outside zone and duo runs. An overview of these plays can be found in Week One’s edition of “Guess the Game Plan”. In addition to these plays, see if the Cowboys execute the split zone and draw.

The split zone combines an inside zone run with a cut-off block on the backside. The intention is to draw the linebackers in one direction, then wall them off and allow the ball carrier to cut across the grain.

On an inside zone and split zone, the offensive line moves in unison, but not as far laterally as they would on an outside zone run. Instead, they push more upfield to engage the defensive line while the running back takes a more direct approach to the line of scrimmage. At the same time, the front side tight-end rushes across the formation and engages the backside defensive end who’s left unblocked by the right tackle or right guard as he moves upfield to seal off the linebacker.

Split Zone

This wrinkle of the split zone is packaged with a bootleg action.

Dallas is in 12 personnel (one running back, two tight-ends). Jason Witten releases to the flat which draws both a linebacker and safety away from the play. As Ezekiel Elliott receives the handoff, he reads the blocks by the offensive line and decides whether to continue his path or cut towards the backside. He quickly makes the right choice and breaks through the defense for a long touchdown.

Continue to see the Beasley Stack Slant and the effective RB Draw…

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